Taj Mahal & Jaipur Extension

Arrive in Delhi where you are met for transfer to the Claridges Hotel Delhi...Meals on your own

After breakfast, depart Delhi for Agra, the capital of the Mughal Empire from the 16th to early 18th centuries (drive time: approximately 4 hours). On arrival, enjoy a full-day tour of Agra including Agra Fort, the first major building project of the Emperor Akbar, built in 1565 on the site of an earlier castle. At sunset, head to the legendary Taj Mahal, particularly lovely at this time of day. The Taj Mahal is an exquisite white marble palace, set on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was constructed over a 21-year period from 1632 to 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. It was described by the English poet Sir Edwin Arnold as “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones.” Overnight at the ITC Mughal Agra...BL

Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so please note that the days may be reorganized to accommodate this.

Awake early this morning for a sunrise viewing of the Taj Mahal, then drive to the haunting desert ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The emperor and his court stayed here only from 1570 to 1586, and this fabulous city of red sandstone has lain abandoned ever since. The palaces and courtyards remain in pristine condition, offering us an extraordinarily accurate glimpse of a Mughal city. Continue to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Afternoon tour of the City Palace and Museum. Overnight at the Trident Hotel Jaipur. Driving time today is approximately 6 hours...B

Jaipur was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the early 18th century, and this elegant city is unsurpassed as a testament to the craftsmanship of the old masters. Fresco painting and mirror work were two favorite ways of decorating interior spaces in Jaipur's forts and gracious residences. Our full-day city tour includes Amber Fort, the Palace of the Winds, or Hawa Mahal, and the fruit and vegetable market. In the evening, drive to Delhi and connect with late evening homeward-bound flights (or overnight in Delhi, an 'on your own' expense)...BL

A visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting India. Your visa must be obtained prior to arrival.